By our Reporter
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, of Ondo State has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State remains a united and indivisible family, regardless of individual ambitions and differences.
Aiyedatiwa stated this during the party’s stakeholders meeting on Saturday, attended by leaders of the party from the 18 local government areas of the State, at the International Event Center, The Dome, in Akure.
This came as the Independent National Electoeal Commission, INEC, certified the outcome of the APC primary election held on April 20 by publishing the details of Governor Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the party for the November governorship election.
The electoral body on Saturday pasted the details of all the candidates participating in the governorship election at its head office in Akure.
Addressing the party leaders, the Governor stressed the need for unity within the party, stressing that a cohesive and united front is essential for achieving common goals and ensuring the party’s success in the November 16 gubernatorial election.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, ensuring that all party leaders and members are involved in every decision.
Describing the primary election as a family affair, he urged every member to support one another in unity, reaffirming their collective responsibility in working towards victory for the APC.
“While we may have disagreements at times, it does not mean we are not part of the same party. Let us work together for our victory on November 16. Our party members need continuous encouragement, not just during election periods. Everything I have promised will come to fruition; they are not just mere words. In this administration, it is action over words.
“Considering our current position, it appears we have already won the battle due to our hard work but there is no room for complacency. I encourage our party leaders to return to their respective local governments, put in even more effort, and unite everyone”, he added.
Earlier, the APC state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in his welcome address, emphasized that every political party has its own constitution and rules that all members must follow. He noted that while the primary election has been concluded, it is crucial for party members to unite as one family in preparation for the real election on November 16.
“The primary was merely an in-house affair, now is the time for unity. Together we are strong; divided we are weak. We must pool our strength. One person cannot achieve this alone, which is why unity is essential. We need to be sincere with one another, as that is the essence of politics,” he stated.
During the interactive session, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adebunmi Osadahun, urged the governor to include more women in his administration, assuring him that the women of Ondo State are firmly behind him.
Mr. Morayo Lebi, one of the APC gubernatorial aspirants in the April 20 primary election, remarked that the stakeholders meeting is a welcome development and a positive step forward.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts to unify all party members and appealed to all aggrieved party members to come together and support the Governor.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, former Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Senator representing Ondo North, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, members of the State Executive Council, former Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, former Ambassador of Nigeria to Togo, Amb. Sola Iji, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, former Commissioner, Solagbade Amodeni, Mr. Awodeyi Akinsehinwa Apata, Hon. Otito Atikase, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, Dr. Taiwo Malumi, among many others.